HOME HANDYMAN
Spray-on siding requires good surface
By Glenn Haege
Q. Our home is a 20-year-old colonial with brick on the bottom and stucco panels and wood timbers running every which way on top. The panels and some parts of the wood are in terrible shape, and we need to address the problem very soon. We don't like fake-looking vinyl siding. Painting every couple of years doesn't sound like fun, either.
What's the skinny on so-called liquid spray-on siding? We saw a couple of different companies at a recent home show. A salesman from one of them came out to explain the process and give us an estimate. It seems like a good idea, but the cost is high and we would like more opinions about the pros and cons of this procedure.
A. I am taking a wait-and-see attitude for several reasons.
- The product was developed down south and has undergone laboratory testing for winter use, but we have seen nothing on "real-life, 20-year cold weather" usage. That does not mean the product may not be wonderful. It's just that I have not seen conclusive proof that it will hold up under tough winter conditions.
- It is my understanding that the undersurface has to be in perfect condition before it can be coated. It sounds like a great deal of work would have to be done on your house before spray-on-type siding is applied.
- Apparently there is only a short window of opportunity for proper curing of the product after application in harsh winter climates.
If you do not want to be a pioneer and you do not want to use vinyl siding, consider going to your local lumberyard and asking about Hardie Board by James Hardie Building Products, Cemplank or CertainTeed Weatherboard. These products have to be painted, but the surface is very long-wearing and does not rot.
Q. I just read an old article on liquid roofing systems. I especially liked the part about the liquid system being cheaper than reroofing. I wondered if you had any new information and if you think it is a good solution to reroofing.
I currently have a Polybond roof (Bobson Construction Co.), and it has served me very well. It is intact and does not leak but is approaching 15 years old, and most of the silver coating has worn off. I want to do something before I have a problem. What would you recommend?
A. Three things:
- It sounds like you have a flat roof.
- It also sounds like Polybond has served you well. The company might have a topping system ideally suited to your purposes.
- Thermo Manufacturing makes an excellent liquid roofing product. However, a number of new technologies have been created during the past five years. Get an inspection and learn about what is out there before making any decisions.
Glenn Haege writes for the Detroit News.
